Winter is approaching and you are looking for THE spot to climb under the Mediterranean sun? The Caroux Mountains, in the Haut-Languedoc, are waiting for you...
Known for its steep gorges and countless rock faces, the Caroux massif rises to an altitude of nearly 1,100m.It is one of the main "granite" climbing sites in the south of France and offers an "easy" approach to the high mountain environment.
The Caroux now has more than 500 routes, from 4 to 8: school sites, sport sectors, well-equipped long routes or semi-adventure routes and above all... real adventure terrain!
Each climber will find what he or she needs here, with the added bonus of the striking beauty of this unique place.
A historical climbing site
The history of climbing in the massif began in 1896 with the creation of the Club Alpin Français Béziers Caroux with passionate climbers.
From 1910, Viala, Déplasse, Dulong-de-Rosnay climbed the needles.
Azéma and Frayssinet, from 1920 to 1940, continued the discovery, signing numerous openings.
The first topo was published at the end of the 1950s and from 1960 to 1980, Henri Blanc, Guy Pistre, P. Maraval, François Pugibet and the Raynal brothers opened the most beautiful routes.
Famous mountaineers, notably R. Desmaison and R. Flematti have also visited this massif, which has a reputation as a high mountain school.
From 1910, Viala, Déplasse, Dulong-de-Rosnay climbed the needles.
Azéma and Frayssinet, from 1920 to 1940, continued the discovery, signing numerous openings.
The first topo was published at the end of the 1950s and from 1960 to 1980, Henri Blanc, Guy Pistre, P. Maraval, François Pugibet and the Raynal brothers opened the most beautiful routes.
Famous mountaineers, notably R. Desmaison and R. Flematti have also visited this massif, which has a reputation as a high mountain school.
Today, after 5 years of rehabilitation work on the routes, respecting the "mountain" and adventure terrain character, the Caroux is once again a climbing spot, and moreover, in a Mediterranean climate! With a south-facing slope, its cliffs are practicable even in winter. So, get out your belays, ropes, shoes.... and prepare your next outings!
To help you, the latest FFME CAROUX ESCALADE guidebook is available (in French only) at the Tourist Office and on our online shop. (ESSENTIAL!)
The routes not to be missed!
Here is a small selection of routes "not to be missed" for those discovering the Caroux: the Charbonniers ridge, the Déplasse needle or the Viala needle, which can be linked together for a "big" outing...
The little extras...
- The rock! a high quality "eyed" gneiss, whose fracturing has allowed the formation of large dihedrals and pillars/slabs... offering a great diversity in climbing techniques.
- The diversity of the routes (schools, sport, long routes, TA...), which makes the Caroux a complete site.
- An encounter with a mouflon?- The diversity of the routes (schools, sport, long routes, TA...), which makes the Caroux a complete site.
- The views over the gorges of the torrents (Héric, Arles...) and open views down to the Mediterranean Sea.
- We are talking about winter, but of course, you can climb all year round in the Caroux mountains! And even discover other sectors in the Haut-Languedoc (Roquebrun, Fauzan, Bédarieux, Vissou...).
How to get there ?
The Caroux Mountains are accessible, notably via the Orb valley: Mons-la-Trivalle, Saint-Martin de l'Arçon and Colombières-sur-Orb.
You are :
50mn away from the from the A9 motorway exit at Béziers (50 km) or 1h15 away from Montpellier.
2h30 away from Toulouse.
What to do when you don't climb?
The Caroux Mountains offer many other discoveries, more or less sporting:
- Hikes of all levels.
- A greenway at the foot of the Caroux.
-Potholing.
- A walk in the hamlets clinging to the sides of the mountains.
- A wine tasting at a winemaker's, why not accompanied by a good barbecue?
.... and so many other choices.
50mn away from the from the A9 motorway exit at Béziers (50 km) or 1h15 away from Montpellier.
2h30 away from Toulouse.
What to do when you don't climb?
The Caroux Mountains offer many other discoveries, more or less sporting:
- Hikes of all levels.
- A greenway at the foot of the Caroux.
-Potholing.
- A walk in the hamlets clinging to the sides of the mountains.
- A wine tasting at a winemaker's, why not accompanied by a good barbecue?
.... and so many other choices.
